Hello, I'm presenting my Amstrad CPC online games service. Based on my WiFi board.
HELP WANTED: IF ANYONE WANTS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE GAME LIBRARY, just provide me with a binary file of the game (without AMSDOS headers), the loading and execution address, and a thumbnail image of 32 x 48 mode 0 pixels. It would be greatly appreciated. IMPORTANT: No crack loaders or cheat screens, just the plain original game.
I'm attaching a list of the games I would like to include in the library in the first slice.
The collection keeps growing. Thanks to the people who contacted me to collaborate. To encourage collaborators, I'll give:
- Early access to whom adds at least 1 game
- Free SPI+WiFi card to whom adds 5 or more games, limited to 4 units by now (I don't have more). Shipping not included
I'll remember the requisites:
- Each game can have one or several binaries, all with an address to load to, i.e.: Aliens loads the game at &0040 and preloads the UI at &C000, they can be two separate files.
- An entry point address must be provided, the address where the game is executed.
- No loading screens, intros or cheat screens must be included, just the game.
- No binaries taken from snapshots, because they miss the initialisation code and don't represent the initial state of the game
Greetings!
Abalore
what's the format of the thumbnail and how do you deal with different palettes?
what games do you already have?
Quote from: abalore on 17:07, 10 March 24I'll remember the requisites:
- No loading screens, intros or cheat screens must be included, just the game.
What if the loading screen and the game could be compressed into a single binary file? The loading screen is displayed for a few seconds and then the game is decompressed and executed. Is this not feasible?
Quote from: Nich on 18:14, 10 March 24Quote from: abalore on 17:07, 10 March 24I'll remember the requisites:
- No loading screens, intros or cheat screens must be included, just the game.
What if the loading screen and the game could be compressed into a single binary file? The loading screen is displayed for a few seconds and then the game is decompressed and executed. Is this not feasible?
Hello, the reason to not do that is because I will show the loading screen in another way, directly in the Amsteam browser before launching the game. There are a number of reasons for that, like having an area in the site to just watch loading screens, and be able to place small menus on top of the screens, for instance to choose part 1 or 2, and that kind of stuff
Quote from: eto on 17:13, 10 March 24what's the format of the thumbnail and how do you deal with different palettes?
what games do you already have?
Hello, I have the games shown in the last picture I sent only.
The thumbnail format is now, after some restyling, 11x7 mode 1 characters, this is 44x56 mode 0 pixels.
Thumbnail is provided in a PNG, in either double or single width pixels, it's the same for me.
The palettes are all automatically adapted to a standard one, exactly the palette from Alcon2020 :D, but that's ok, colors may vary a bit but enough good for a thumbnail.
Also, mode 1 thumbnails will be lineary interpolated instead of stretched like in the previous post. After doing several tests, I think it's better.
That seems a great project! Any chance it would work with other wifi enabled carts? (such as m4)
Quote from: dodogildo on 19:55, 10 March 24That seems a great project! Any chance it would work with other wifi enabled carts? (such as m4)
Hello, that's a very good question. Without knowing 100% the API of the other hardware, I think it is doable to access the service if someone creates the required browser, in either a ROM firmware or a normal app. It's not in my plans to do it for other hardware than my own card, but I can provide the required information to any serious developer that wants to get involved.
There are several reasons to not do it myself for other cards, mainly the lack of time, and secondly to avoid being flooded with problems about hardware that I don't know well. I can give a support for the SPI + Wifi + Amsteam package, because it's all of my own.
@eto provided the following games, so the first SPI + WiFi card is granted
Chuckie Egg
Space Harrier
1942
Antiriad
Druid
GhostsnGoblins
Light Force
Impossible Mission
Airwolf 2
Bmx Simulator
Gothik
Motos
Feud
Solomons Key
head over Heals
XOR
Zynaps
@eto is on fire !!! :o :o :o
Quote from: XeNoMoRPH on 10:39, 11 March 24@eto is on fire !!! :o :o :o
just a side effect of a personal project where I did exactly what is now needed by Abalore ;-)
Make a Cartridge based version for the GX4000 and Plus systems and you WILL sell a massive amount of those WIFI enabled carts.
Quote from: overange on 11:14, 11 March 24Make a Cartridge based version for the GX4000 and Plus systems and you WILL sell a massive amount of those WIFI enabled carts.
It is in fact, Amsteam works along with Play2CPC to either run cartridge games in VROM or to save to rewritable cartridges. So a user with SPI+Wifi and Play2CPC can write cartridges from Internet to play on GX4000, or play directly without saving in Plus or normal CPC. So PLay2CPC board is required to access the 512K games catalog :D
@trocoloco contributed with another lot of games, second card granted
Prohibition
Donkey Kong
Exolon
Cosmic Sheriff
La diosa de Cozumel
Capitan Sevilla
Carvalho
Cauldron
Cauldron II
Chichen Itza
Chuckie Egg
Space Harrier
1942
And others under review now
That's a great project and very useful! And it is loading so fast! :o
I wonder if the binaries and thumbnails/infos are just stored on an HTTP server, or is the server side something special?
Are there any limitations for the binaries which memory areas they are occupying during loading?
Quote from: Prodatron on 11:40, 11 March 24That's a great project and very useful! And it is loading so fast! :o
I wonder if the binaries and thumbnails/infos are just stored on an HTTP server, or is the server side something special?
Are there any limitations for the binaries which memory areas they are occupying during loading?
About the server: it's a custom app, done in C#, using an also self-made network library. It behaves like a highly downgraded HTTP server allowing text, images, text input and line drawing. Most of the formatting is done by just sending Amstrad CPC control codes.
About the memory limitations: The Amsteam browser runs in ROM and uses a very small amount of RAM located in the stack area (&BF80), just to store the loading address, the execution address and a very small relocated loader, so it's unlikely it will interfere with any game loading. I'm also studying the possibility of using zero RAM by storing data in the WiFi module unused fields.
It took me a while to understand that this is accessed from the CPC and you need a Wi-Fi card.
How can you buy one of those Wi-Fi cards and how much do they cost, by the way?
So the success of this project would be based on the number of your own wi-fi cards sold (or gifted)?
That's quite a bottleneck.
::)
Quote from: dodogildo on 19:10, 11 March 24the success of this project
This project is a success already, because for me the success is to do it.
The collection is growing quickly!
Quote from: abalore on 19:18, 11 March 24This project is a success already, because for me the success is to do it.
That is true! This project is fantastic!
I still wonder if you will do a documentation how to download the index and thumbnails and then the binary files. Or you will sell the network card in a big way, but as you don't like this, I wonder if another one could produce it?
Quote from: Prodatron on 21:58, 11 March 24Quote from: abalore on 19:18, 11 March 24This project is a success already, because for me the success is to do it.
That is true! This project is fantastic!
I still wonder if you will do a documentation how to download the index and thumbnails and then the binary files. Or you will sell the network card in a big way, but as you don't like this, I wonder if another one could produce it?
The wifi module still needs some refinement, for some reason it refuses to connect to some access points but work perfectly with others. When I manage to make it work with everything I'll think about the next step. In fact it works, but just don't receive the DHCP address, so you can still use it with fixed address. But that's ugly.
Looks a nice project! :)
I am interested in a few details.
First, the exactly definition of your game format, because I have a clean cracks hard disk installer project, similar to amiga whdload; and I can create a tool for converting games between my format and yours.
In my case, in my game configuration file, I have included a section for patches and trainers, they are applied after the game is loaded. Because a lot of cpc software is plagued with bugs or because I am patching them to use the controls that you define in the configuration (playing Antiriad with keys or Renegade with three fire buttons joystick) or for saving hiscores, ...
Aside of that, how are you handling multiload games in your system? I imagine through the ROM, you have some CALLs for making those extra loads. As you can see, I am more interesting in your ROM API for compatibility than in your communication protocol.
And of course, is it going to be possible to download your game library? Because there is not a repository with clean cracks and it would be nice that this work can be used for the community. People could want to have a local server with his favorite game selection or simply install those in mass storage devices or ...
I think that is all for now :)
Hello, I'll try to clarify your questions one by one.
First, the exactly definition of your game format, because I have a clean cracks hard disk installer project, similar to amiga whdload; and I can create a tool for converting games between my format and yours.
Game ; The whole game
Title ; Title
Title2 ; Title second line for titles greater than 11 characters (because of browser layout)
Developer ; Developer name
Thumbnail ; Binary data to show the thumbnail
Loading screen ; Binary data to show the loading screen before playing the game (not yet in the browser)
Part ; Because a game can have several parts, like Game Over, Army Moves, etc
DataBlocks ; A list of datablocks to be loaded into RAM, i.e.: some games preload the UI in &C000
Data ; Binary data for each data block
Loading Address ; For each data block
; (Sometimes I add a custom extra datablock for setting inks, mode, etc, in games that require it)
Execution address ; Entry point for running the game, called with all ROMs disabled
Patches ; A list of patches to apply before executing
Patch bytes
Patch address
In my case, in my game configuration file, I have included a section for patches and trainers, they are applied after the game is loaded. Because a lot of cpc software is plagued with bugs or because I am patching them to use the controls that you define in the configuration (playing Antiriad with keys or Renegade with three fire buttons joystick) or for saving hiscores, ...
As you can see, I have also the ability to apply patches before executing, i.e.: to fix Demon's Revenge bugs
But I'm not ok with offering trainers or cheats. At least not in Amsteam, probably in future I'll add a hook to make online hiscore tables.
Aside of that, how are you handling multiload games in your system?
I convert the DSK into CPR and run as cartridge (requires Play2CPC board or other way to emulate a cartridge, maybe a M4 can do it). First, I considered other options, like a DLC system, patched AMSDOS for remote filesystem, but discarded all of them, the DSK to CPR conversion is easy, fast and proven. Of course, also genuine cartridge games, like Alcon 2020, can be loaded and run.
I'm also considering to add my code from M4FE to the client to be able to write physical disc from remote DSK. But it's controversial stuff, because the point of the whole system is to run games online instantly getting rid of physical support, and also keep the system simple and reliable for the users.
And of course, is it going to be possible to download your game library? Because there is not a repository with clean cracks and it would be nice that this work can be used for the community. People could want to have a local server with his favorite game selection or simply install those in mass storage devices or ...
I don't have an endpoint for downloading the game binaries or metadata, because the requests are not from client to server, but viceversa. The CPC client is dumb and only sends U, R, L, D, OK and BACK, because I want to mimic the interface from TV streaming services based in remote control. In theory it's possible to do an application in a PC to download the games, but without a visual interface to see the game you have selected it is a shot in the dark.
If you agree we can share a Google Sheets document or similar, with all the metadata and links to Google Drive files. It would be good to share the same format, I can easily adapt my code since it's still in development.
Final words: I would like Amsteam to be a public service for all Amstrad users, always updated, good UX, all the content tested. A problem I found in massive storage devices is that you need to continuously update them to have the latest, the online service will get rid of that. Local storage systems are also unreliable, since not all games work on them. And they are not very user friendly, I did my best to create M4FE to do the M4 experience better, but still think the online service and getting rid of physical supports is the trend in XXI century :D
That's all, good luck with your project.
Hey guys... I still don't get how are Amstrad users going to... use this. Will they be building Wi-Fi cards? Buying them? Emulation? Thanks in advance.
Quote from: cwpab on 14:14, 12 March 24Hey guys... I still don't get how are Amstrad users going to... use this. Will they be building Wi-Fi cards? Buying them? Emulation? Thanks in advance.
That's the million dollar question.
Current plan is to build the boards myself. And I'm open for someone to create drivers for M4, Usifac or whatever, providing the required technical details. I don't have any of these devices at this moment. Donations accepted
@Duke, @ikonsgrE
And the third Wifi+SPI board goes to...
@Nich for his excellent contribution to the library, including amazing thumbnails!
I'll keep the list updated in the first post to avoid repeating games.
Nearly 600 games now, wow, that is very amazing! :o
Quote from: abalore on 15:16, 12 March 24And I'm open for someone to create drivers for M4, Usifac or whatever, providing the required technical details.
Any technical details would be very useful. Maybe after having these information someone likes to start writing clients for other hardware (I am very interested as well).
Ignoring my desire for ethernet (maybe one day someone will do it).
What would be interesting is if I could self host the server and then use it to host the latest binaries that I am working on.
The idea being I push the code to source control, automatically compile it and then deploy it to the AMSTEAM server where I can access the game on a real CPC.
This way I could automate the step for getting my latest game build onto the CPC (faster dev loop with real hardware).
Quote from: awergh on 14:26, 14 March 24Ignoring my desire for ethernet (maybe one day someone will do it).
What would be interesting is if I could self host the server and then use it to host the latest binaries that I am working on.
The idea being I push the code to source control, automatically compile it and then deploy it to the AMSTEAM server where I can access the game on a real CPC.
This way I could automate the step for getting my latest game build onto the CPC (faster dev loop with real hardware).
Hello, that's a very interesting case of use. The Amsteam Firmware comes with three RSX commands:
|AT
|SETUP
|AMSTEAM
the first command is an AT protocol trainer, with it you can override any settings of the WiFi module, so while it's initially configured to connect to the Amsteam server, you can just run the following commands in the trainer:
AT+CIPCLOSE
AT+CIPSTART="TCP","yourserveraddress",yourserverport
and after that you can restart the CPC and call |AMSTEAM to open the browser interface.
You can always run the |SETUP command for settings the Amsteam default configuration if you mess something.
Apart from that, you can totally ignore the Amsteam firmware and use the board in a RAW manner. The SPI + WiFi board is actually a WiFi board, not restricted for the use with Amsteam, you can connect to whatever online service you want: Telnet, FTP, HTTP, SMTP, POP3... or whatever you want while you do the required software for it.
About your desire for Ethernet, the next module for the SPI card will be an Ethernet module, it's even easier to do than the WiFi.
Quote from: Prodatron on 11:18, 14 March 24Nearly 600 games now, wow, that is very amazing! :o
Quote from: abalore on 15:16, 12 March 24And I'm open for someone to create drivers for M4, Usifac or whatever, providing the required technical details.
Any technical details would be very useful. Maybe after having these information someone likes to start writing clients for other hardware (I am very interested as well).
Thanks to your post I discovered that CPCEmu emulates the M4, so I can investigate it to make a driver myself, because I don't have a working physical board. Sadly the spinpoint site seems to be down where the low level information about the card is, and I was not clever enough to keep a copy when doing the M4FE. If someone has it please post it here.
@Duke if you can read me, please let me know where to access it.
The Internet Archive's Wayback Machine is your friend ;D
Link (https://web.archive.org/web/20230706012526/http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt)
Developer info is at the bottom of the file.
Quote from: robcfg on 15:53, 14 March 24The Internet Archive's Wayback Machine is your friend ;D
Link (https://web.archive.org/web/20230706012526/http://www.spinpoint.org/cpc/m4info.txt)
Developer info is at the bottom of the file.
Wow dude, you are a serious surfer. Thank you!
Hey
@TITAN (Eric Cubizolle) ,
some games I like a lot from the Amsteam library don't have a loading screen, i.e.: Activator
would you be interested in putting your awesome talent to design loading screens for those?
of course, not for free, as the other collaborators, in exchange of one brand new SPI + Wifi card combo.
Hi abalore !
Many thanks for your interest in my little CPC screens. :)
I immerse myself in this activity when I have a little time and when the subject inspires me. :)
I create these pixel arts only for fun, therefore completely free. ;)
I'm not promising you anything, but don't hesitate to list the games for which you would like a title screen, I'll see what inspires me and, who knows, maybe something will spring up under my mouse clicks a day ! ;)
For your information, all my Amstrad CPC pixel art is available on this page: https://amstradmuseum.emu-france.info/Fichiers/Projets/PixelArt_TITAN_CPC/PixelArt_TITAN_CPC.html
All the best,
Quote from: TITAN (Eric Cubizolle) on 07:38, 15 March 24Hi abalore !
Many thanks for your interest in my little CPC screens. :)
I immerse myself in this activity when I have a little time and when the subject inspires me. :)
I create these pixel arts only for fun, therefore completely free. ;)
I'm not promising you anything, but don't hesitate to list the games for which you would like a title screen, I'll see what inspires me and, who knows, maybe something will spring up under my mouse clicks a day ! ;)
For your information, all my Amstrad CPC pixel art is available on this page: https://amstradmuseum.emu-france.info/Fichiers/Projets/PixelArt_TITAN_CPC/PixelArt_TITAN_CPC.html
All the best,
Great! If you don't mind I can already borrow your screens for Oh Mummy!, Aliens and Zorro. You have another great versions like Saboteur II and Rampage, but I prefer to use the originals when possible and only replace in case of the game doesn't have a screen or the developers clearly didn't put any effort into creating it. I'll send you a complete list as soon as possible with the hope you feel inspired by some of the games. Thank you!
First button press shows loading screen, secondary button backs to menu, second button press launch game.
I'm anything but a pixel artist, but made this loading screen, based on the tape cover, for one of my all-time favourite games: BOULDER DASH
Just made another screen for "2088"
nice... what tool(s) do you use?
An my last screen today, Activator:
Quote from: eto on 20:01, 17 March 24nice... what tool(s) do you use?
I use only Gimp
Well, I lied, NOW is the last one today, Ballcrazy
Quote from: abalore on 15:12, 14 March 24Quote from: awergh on 14:26, 14 March 24Ignoring my desire for ethernet (maybe one day someone will do it).
What would be interesting is if I could self host the server and then use it to host the latest binaries that I am working on.
The idea being I push the code to source control, automatically compile it and then deploy it to the AMSTEAM server where I can access the game on a real CPC.
This way I could automate the step for getting my latest game build onto the CPC (faster dev loop with real hardware).
Hello, that's a very interesting case of use. The Amsteam Firmware comes with three RSX commands:
|AT
|SETUP
|AMSTEAM
the first command is an AT protocol trainer, with it you can override any settings of the WiFi module, so while it's initially configured to connect to the Amsteam server, you can just run the following commands in the trainer:
AT+CIPCLOSE
AT+CIPSTART="TCP","yourserveraddress",yourserverport
and after that you can restart the CPC and call |AMSTEAM to open the browser interface.
You can always run the |SETUP command for settings the Amsteam default configuration if you mess something.
Apart from that, you can totally ignore the Amsteam firmware and use the board in a RAW manner. The SPI + WiFi board is actually a WiFi board, not restricted for the use with Amsteam, you can connect to whatever online service you want: Telnet, FTP, HTTP, SMTP, POP3... or whatever you want while you do the required software for it.
About your desire for Ethernet, the next module for the SPI card will be an Ethernet module, it's even easier to do than the WiFi.
That sounds great (especially the ethernet module). I look forward to seeing how this project progresses.
When a new or updated game is made available on the server would the CPC side be able to refresh and get the new or updated game or would there be more steps required?
Quote from: awergh on 12:02, 18 March 24Quote from: abalore on 15:12, 14 March 24Quote from: awergh on 14:26, 14 March 24Ignoring my desire for ethernet (maybe one day someone will do it).
What would be interesting is if I could self host the server and then use it to host the latest binaries that I am working on.
The idea being I push the code to source control, automatically compile it and then deploy it to the AMSTEAM server where I can access the game on a real CPC.
This way I could automate the step for getting my latest game build onto the CPC (faster dev loop with real hardware).
Hello, that's a very interesting case of use. The Amsteam Firmware comes with three RSX commands:
|AT
|SETUP
|AMSTEAM
the first command is an AT protocol trainer, with it you can override any settings of the WiFi module, so while it's initially configured to connect to the Amsteam server, you can just run the following commands in the trainer:
AT+CIPCLOSE
AT+CIPSTART="TCP","yourserveraddress",yourserverport
and after that you can restart the CPC and call |AMSTEAM to open the browser interface.
You can always run the |SETUP command for settings the Amsteam default configuration if you mess something.
Apart from that, you can totally ignore the Amsteam firmware and use the board in a RAW manner. The SPI + WiFi board is actually a WiFi board, not restricted for the use with Amsteam, you can connect to whatever online service you want: Telnet, FTP, HTTP, SMTP, POP3... or whatever you want while you do the required software for it.
About your desire for Ethernet, the next module for the SPI card will be an Ethernet module, it's even easier to do than the WiFi.
That sounds great (especially the ethernet module). I look forward to seeing how this project progresses.
When a new or updated game is made available on the server would the CPC side be able to refresh and get the new or updated game or would there be more steps required?
Hello, the CPC doesn't need to refresh anything, because the service is 100% online. Every time you scroll the game list, the whole content is sent to the CPC from the network, and the games are downloaded and run in real-time. That means, everything is up-to-date at all times. More over, the server doesn't require to restart to add or modify content, games, thumbnails, loading screens, etc. So you see the changes in the CPC screen in real-time!
Another screen for the collection, searched everywhere for a good loading screen for Bruce Lee, but nothing honor the master. So I made my own one:
Quote from: abalore on 19:08, 18 March 24Another screen for the collection, searched everywhere for a good loading screen for Bruce Lee, but nothing honor the master. So I made my own one:
@Brundij produced a really nice alternative loading screen for
Bruce Lee (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/games/adapting-loading-screens-that-sucked/msg212936/#msg212936) a couple of years ago, which can be downloaded from CPC-POWER (https://www.cpc-power.com/index.php?page=detail&onglet=dumps&num=482&actif=D7CRACK).
Quote from: Nich on 20:31, 18 March 24Quote from: abalore on 19:08, 18 March 24Another screen for the collection, searched everywhere for a good loading screen for Bruce Lee, but nothing honor the master. So I made my own one:
@Brundij produced a really nice alternative loading screen for Bruce Lee (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/games/adapting-loading-screens-that-sucked/msg212936/#msg212936) a couple of years ago, which can be downloaded from CPC-POWER (https://www.cpc-power.com/index.php?page=detail&onglet=dumps&num=482&actif=D7CRACK).
Yes, I know, but sadly I require the standard 320x200 size for now.
Thanks to Abalore who trusted me, I was able to participate in the project Amsteam by creating a few screens :
(https://amstradmuseum.emu-france.info/Fichiers/Projets/cpcloadingscreenremake_CPC/TITAN/2024/Tarzan_2024.png) (https://amstradmuseum.emu-france.info/Fichiers/Projets/cpcloadingscreenremake_CPC/TITAN/2024/Action%20Fighter_2024.png)
(https://amstradmuseum.emu-france.info/Fichiers/Projets/cpcloadingscreenremake_CPC/TITAN/2024/BackToThe%20GoldenAge_2024.png) (https://amstradmuseum.emu-france.info/Fichiers/Projets/cpcloadingscreenremake_CPC/TITAN/2024/BMXKidz_2024.png)
:)
Great!!
Nice work Eric (as usual!) ;)
Thank you poulette73 ! :)
And here is my new Title-Screen for SAI COMBAT :
(https://amstradmuseum.emu-france.info/Fichiers/Projets/cpcloadingscreenremake_CPC/TITAN/2024/SaiCombat_2024.png)
100 games reached and server online!
Will there be a filtering UI as there are now so many games to browse?
Quote from: dodogildo on 18:39, 29 March 24Will there be a filtering UI as there are now so many games to browse?
Of course, the target is 500 games which are my favorite. With a search by name or developer.
Since people is starting to receive the first cards, I created a basic wiki page with the first steps:
https://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Amsteam
Nice project! :) :) :)
I've just made a short video testing the new Abalore's project on a 6128 and its working great! 8)
Quote from: abalore on 09:55, 05 April 24Since people is starting to receive the first cards
perfect... it arrived today. I hope I find some time soon :-) thanks a lot
Quote from: trocoloco on 18:44, 05 April 24I've just made a short video testing the new Abalore's project on a 6128 and its working great! 8)
Nice, just FYI, if you power the MX4 board with external adapter you don't need to enter user / pass everytime, because the connection keeps active
Awesome!
It would be nice to have a hardware button to reset and load the game browser without the need to retype the rsx command after a game session.
Quote from: dodogildo on 21:09, 05 April 24Awesome!
It would be nice to have a hardware button to reset and load the game browser without the need to retype the rsx command after a game session.
There are many examples of modified BASIC ROMs that automatically run a command upon booting. Maybe I will provide one for |AMSTEAM
The reset button is in the MX4 mother board already
Quote from: dodogildo on 21:09, 05 April 24It would be nice to have a hardware button to reset and load the game browser without the need to retype the rsx command after a game session.
In my case, I won't be interested in this feature. :)
I don't want AMSTEAM card doing a "bootloop" to game browser every time I reset my CPC (... as if I had a GX4000 ...)
I have other cards on my Mother X4. And I want to be able to take advantage of them when the CPC starts (otherwise they would never be available again).
I don't find it restrictive to type |AMSTEAM to launch the browser.
Yes, I found out right after recording it :doh: :laugh:
An autostart would be fantastic. My kids would probably love that they can switch it on and have that nice selection screen. Or at an exhibition...
I made a loading screen for Bounder based on the Spectrum screenm if someone wants it:
Quote from: trocoloco on 18:44, 05 April 24I've just made a short video testing the new Abalore's project on a 6128 and its working great! 8)
You should upgrade your M4 firmware :)
As a complement for AMSTEAM, for people who doesn't have any ROM Box hardware (M4, XMEM, etc), I made a small ROM BOX card, with MX connector. It has 6 free usable slots, plus selectable boot replacement (Firmware + BASIC) and all this multiplied by 4 different selectable banks (total 32 ROMs). The banks and the boot option are selected by jumpers in the board.
The idea is to have quickly exchangeable configurations without having to rewrite everything or having to initialize all the bunch of ROMs every time, like: Games, SymbOS, Development, Word processing, and so on...
Lastly a jumper allows to map the 6 free ROMs to numbers 9-14 instead of 1-6 if you have a 6128 and want to connect two cards in parallel (a very pro usage :D )
Quote from: abalore on 16:42, 07 May 24As a complement for AMSTEAM, for people who doesn't have any ROM Box hardware (M4, XMEM, etc), I made a small ROM BOX card, with MX connector. It has 6 free usable slots, plus selectable boot replacement (Firmware + BASIC) and all this multiplied by 4 different selectable banks (total 32 ROMs). The banks and the boot option are selected by jumpers in the board.
The idea is to have quickly exchangeable configurations without having to rewrite everything or having to initialize all the bunch of ROMs every time, like: Games, SymbOS, Development, Word processing, and so on...
Lastly a jumper allows to map the 6 free ROMs to numbers 9-14 instead of 1-6 if you have a 6128 and want to connect two cards in parallel (a very pro usage :D )
Very interesting. Well, I assume that your new Flash-ROM is not compatible to any existing solution (due to the exchange features). Or is it nevertheless compatible to something?
Well, I would like to support your card with my software too. So can you give the information how to write ROMs into it please?
Quote from: GUNHED on 20:04, 07 May 24Quote from: abalore on 16:42, 07 May 24As a complement for AMSTEAM, for people who doesn't have any ROM Box hardware (M4, XMEM, etc), I made a small ROM BOX card, with MX connector. It has 6 free usable slots, plus selectable boot replacement (Firmware + BASIC) and all this multiplied by 4 different selectable banks (total 32 ROMs). The banks and the boot option are selected by jumpers in the board.
The idea is to have quickly exchangeable configurations without having to rewrite everything or having to initialize all the bunch of ROMs every time, like: Games, SymbOS, Development, Word processing, and so on...
Lastly a jumper allows to map the 6 free ROMs to numbers 9-14 instead of 1-6 if you have a 6128 and want to connect two cards in parallel (a very pro usage :D )
Very interesting. Well, I assume that your new Flash-ROM is not compatible to any existing solution (due to the exchange features). Or is it nevertheless compatible to something?
Well, I would like to support your card with my software too. So can you give the information how to write ROMs into it please?
Theoretically it is compatible with the X-MEM software with little adjust, just before and after writting, commands for unprotect and protect the flash must be issued via OUT (operation which is done by moving a switch in the X-MEM if I'm not wrong). Anyway, I can send you the source code. Right now I'm working in a
|FLASH,"filename.rom",slot command which is installed by running a program from disk and has same parameters than the one used by the X-MEM, so from BASIC there is no difference. I'll send you a PM with the sources when they are finished and tested.
Is it already possible to order one?
Quote from: abalore on 20:41, 07 May 24Theoretically it is compatible with the X-MEM software with little adjust, just before and after writting, commands for unprotect and protect the flash must be issued via OUT (operation which is done by moving a switch in the X-MEM if I'm not wrong). Anyway, I can send you the source code. Right now I'm working in a |FLASH,"filename.rom",slot command which is installed by running a program from disk and has same parameters than the one used by the X-MEM, so from BASIC there is no difference. I'll send you a PM with the sources when they are finished and tested.
Ah great! X-MEM compatibility is a very nice and decent feature! :) :) :)
Can you please test if ROManager (2.4.6 from 2024) for FutureOS does work with it?
All you need to do is to start ROMananger with your Flash-Box connected. It should show 'Device: X-MEM' in the upper middle of the screen.
Also, can you please try if FutureOS installs correctly when using 'Install to X-MEM'?
In both cases the software protection of the Flash Chip will be used to have everything save...
If it doesn't work then I'm willing to receive your source code and add support to all my software for your Flash-ROM - if you like. :) :) :)
Quote from: eto on 09:26, 08 May 24Is it already possible to order one?
I guess in about a week. I'm finishing the firmware, the utility disk and the hardware checks.
Quote from: GUNHED on 13:27, 08 May 24Quote from: abalore on 20:41, 07 May 24Theoretically it is compatible with the X-MEM software with little adjust, just before and after writting, commands for unprotect and protect the flash must be issued via OUT (operation which is done by moving a switch in the X-MEM if I'm not wrong). Anyway, I can send you the source code. Right now I'm working in a |FLASH,"filename.rom",slot command which is installed by running a program from disk and has same parameters than the one used by the X-MEM, so from BASIC there is no difference. I'll send you a PM with the sources when they are finished and tested.
Ah great! X-MEM compatibility is a very nice and decent feature! :) :) :)
Can you please test if ROManager (2.4.6 from 2024) for FutureOS does work with it?
All you need to do is to start ROMananger with your Flash-Box connected. It should show 'Device: X-MEM' in the upper middle of the screen.
Also, can you please try if FutureOS installs correctly when using 'Install to X-MEM'?
In both cases the software protection of the Flash Chip will be used to have everything save...
If it doesn't work then I'm willing to receive your source code and add support to all my software for your Flash-ROM - if you like. :) :) :)
Sure, I'll post the results.